Worktable Apparatus

Abstract

A worktable apparatus for a machine tool, such as a CNC punch press, a laser equipped machine tool or plasma torch equipped machine tool, which processes a metal sheet or plate workpiece. The worktable apparatus serves a dual function as (a) a worktable that supports a workpiece during processing by a machine tool and as (b) an unloading station for unloading a workpiece or a skeletal remnant produced by the machine tool. The machine tool has a set of workclamps, which move under CNC control along at least one of the numerically controlled axes, grip the workpiece and carry it through the machine for processing. Located on one side of the machine tool, the worktable apparatus has a surface adapted to allow the workpiece to ride smoothly under the motive power of the workclamps. In one embodiment, the worktable apparatus is made up of two roller sets supported such that one long edge of each is fixed to a frame, and the other edge is normally supported in horizontal orientation creating a gap between the roller sets. When a workpiece or a skeletal remnant is rolled into position on the worktable apparatus and the CNC initiates the worktable apparatus to open, controlled actuators, such as cylinders, cause the center edges of the two roller sets to drop away, allowing the workpiece or skeletal remnant to fall freely from its supported position on the worktable apparatus to an unloaded position below.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A worktable apparatus associated with a machine tool that fabricates at least one part from a workpiece, comprising in combination: 
 a frame supporting a drop leaf table apparatus adapted with means for translatably supporting a workpiece, said worktable apparatus supporting the workpiece during processing by said machine tool;    said drop leaf table apparatus adapted to pivot between a substantially horizontal supporting position and a substantially vertical unloading position such that unloaded material processed by said machine tool falls substantially vertically through said frame.    
     
     
         2 . The combination of  claim 1 , further comprising: said worktable apparatus is adapted with a cantilevered extension that is adapted with means for translatably supporting a workpiece.  
     
     
         3 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said support means is a plurality of conveyor rollers.  
     
     
         4 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said support means is a plurality ball transfer bearings.  
     
     
         5 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein the unloaded material is stacked on blocks residing proximate the floor.  
     
     
         6 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein the unloaded material is stacked on a pallet residing proximate the floor.  
     
     
         7 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein the unloaded material falls on a conveyor.  
     
     
         8 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said worktable apparatus resides on a side opposite of said machine tool loading side.  
     
     
         9 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said worktable apparatus resides on the loading side of said machine tool.  
     
     
         10 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said machine tool is a CNC punch press having an automatic tool changer apparatus.  
     
     
         11 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said machine tool is a CNC punch press having an automatic tool changer apparatus and a thermal cutting apparatus.  
     
     
         12 . The combination of  claim 11  wherein said thermal cutting apparatus is a plasma torch apparatus.  
     
     
         13 . The combination of  claim 11  wherein said thermal cutting apparatus is a laser cutting apparatus.  
     
     
         14 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said machine tool is a plasma cutting machine tool.  
     
     
         15 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said machine tool is a laser cutting machine tool.  
     
     
         16 . A worktable apparatus associated with a machine tool that fabricates at least one part from a workpiece, said worktable apparatus adapted to unload material processed by said machine tool and comprising in combination; 
 a frame adapted with a drop leaf table apparatus and such that unloaded material falls substantially vertically through said frame, said worktable apparatus supporting the workpiece during processing by said machine tool; and    said drop leaf table apparatus comprising at least two drop leaf tables adapted for engagement by at least one driving apparatus, each said drop leaf table having a means for translatably supporting a workpiece, each said drop leaf table capable of pivoting between a substantially horizontal supporting position and a substantially vertical unloading position.    
     
     
         17 . The combination of  claim 17  wherein said driving apparatus is a cylinder.  
     
     
         18 . A worktable apparatus residing on a side opposite of a loading side of a CNC machine tool that fabricates at least one part from a workpiece comprising in combination; 
 a frame adapted with a drop leaf table apparatus, said drop leaf table apparatus supporting the workpiece during processing by said machine tool, unloaded material processed by said CNC machine tool falling substantially vertically through said frame, the unloaded material being removed from within a boundary of said frame through at least one side of said frame;    said frame adapted with a cantilevered extension adapted with workpiece supporting means;    said drop leaf table apparatus adapted with workpiece supporting means, said drop leaf table apparatus including at least two drop leaf tables adapted with a driving apparatus so as to pivot between a substantially horizontal supporting position and a substantially vertical unloading position, said driving apparatus being at least one cylinder pivotably connected to said frame and pivotably connected to each said drop leaf table;    one of said drop leaf tables associated with workclamps that move and position said workpiece; and    said worktable apparatus controlled by the CNC of said CNC machine tool.    
     
     
         19 . The combination of  claim 18  wherein said workpiece supporting means is a plurality of conveyor rollers.  
     
     
         20 . The combination of  claim 18  wherein said workpiece supporting means is a plurality of ball transfers.  
     
     
         21 . A worktable apparatus residing on a loading side of a CNC machine tool that fabricates at least one part from a workpiece, comprising in combination; 
 a frame adapted with a drop leaf table apparatus, said drop leaf table apparatus supporting the workpiece during processing by said CNC machine tool, unloaded material falling substantially vertically through said frame, said unloaded material being removed from within a boundary of said frame through at least one side of said frame;    said frame adapted with a cantilevered extension adapted with workpiece supporting means;    said drop leaf table apparatus adapted with workpiece supporting means, said drop leaf table including at least two drop leaf tables adapted with a driving apparatus so as to pivot between a substantially horizontal supporting position and a substantially vertical unloading position;    said driving apparatus being at least one cylinder pivotably connected to said frame and pivotably connected to each said drop leaf table;    one of said drop leaf tables associated with workclamps that move and position the workpiece;    said worktable apparatus controlled by the CNC of said CNC machine tool.    
     
     
         22 . The combination of  claim 21  wherein said workpiece supporting means is a plurality of conveyor rollers.  
     
     
         23 . The combination of  claim 21  wherein said workpiece supporting means is a plurality of ball transfers.  
     
     
         24 . The combination of  claim 21  wherein said CNC machine tool is associated with an automatic loading apparatus.  
     
     
         25 . The combination of  claim 21  wherein said machine tool is associated with an automatic loading apparatus and a material storage tower.